
The Pageant of Corydon 

The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 
1816—1916 




BY 

WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON 



The Pageant of Corydon 

The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 
1816--1916 



THE DRAMA OF THE PREEMINENCE 
OF THE TOWN AT THE TIME WHEN 
FOR TWELVE YEARS IT WAS THE TER- 
RITORIAL AND THE STATE CAPITAL 
OF INDIANA. 



BY 

WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON 



IN FRONT OF THE OLD 

STATE CAPITOL AT CORYDON 

JUNE 2 and 3, 1916 






^ ^-/ 



COPYRIGHT I9J6 
By WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON 

All Rights Reserved 



Aof 



BAKER'S PRINTING HOUSE 
New Albany, Ind. 



JI.0 44 166 



JUN -6 1916 



1. *:* I 



The Pageant of Corydon 

The Pioneer Capitzil of Indiana 
1816-1916 



THE INDIANA HISTORICAL COMMISSION. 

His Excellency, Samuel M. Ralston, Governor of Indiana, 

President 



Frank B. Wynn, Vice Pres. 
John Cavanagh 
Charity Dye 
Samuel M. Foster 



Harlow Lindley, Secretary 
Charles W. Moores 
Lew. M. O'Bannon 
James A. Woodburn 



THE CORYDON PAGEANT COMMITTEE. 
Thomas J. Wilson, President Arthur Richert, Treasurer 
H. W. Gudgeon, Secretary A. 0. DeWeese, Vice Pres. 

Wilson E. Cook Lew. M. O'Bannon 

Mrs. R. L. Miller Edward G. Keller 



THE PAGEANT DIRECTION. 
William Chauncy Langdon, Master of the Pageant 
Charles Diven Campbell, Director of the Music 




FOREWORD 

HE Pageant of Corydon is to commemorate the 
time of the pre-eminence of the town, when it 
was for twelve years, from 1813 to 1825, first the 
Territorial and then the State Capital of Indiana. 
Here in 1816 met the Constitutional Convention which formu- 
lated and voted the first Constitution of the State of Indiana. 
The historical interest of the village of Corydon centers nat- 
urally in the Old Capitol, erected in 1812 as a Court House 
and appropriated to the use of the Governor and Legislature 
when Corydon became the capital in 1813, and in the Con- 
stitution Elm, beneath whose shading branches the Conven- 
tion met in 1816. The Pageant will be performed on the 
Public Square in front of the Old Capitol. 

The music, played by the Indiana University Orchestra, 
is most of it from the music of the Pageant of Bloomington 
and Indiana University, composed by Charles Diven Camp- 
bell. The Hymn to America was composed by Brookes C. 
Peters. Corydon is taken from the old Missouri Harmony 
and orchestrated by Dr. Campbell. 

In presenting the historical material a certain freedom 
has necessarily been exercised for the sake of dramatic clar- 
ity and effectiveness. In many instances the language of the 
dialogue is in the actual words of the characters represented. 
It has, however, seemed inadvisable to indicate these passages 
by quotation marks, on account of the frequent necessity for 
making slight changes, omissions, or additions in the word- 
ing to suit the situation as represented. So also in producing 
the pageant certain omissions have been deemed advisable 
which it did not seem necessary to eliminate in the printed 
form of the pageant. W. C. L. 



OUTLINE OF THE PAGEANT. 



Prologue: The Welcome of Old Corydon. 

Episode 1 : The Completion of the Court House 
(1812). 

Episode 2: Corydon, the Capital (1813). 

Episode 3: The Constitutional Convention 
(1816). 

Episode 4: The New Capital (1825). 

Epilogue: The Blessing of the Years. 



Finale : Centennial ! 



The Pageant of Corydon 

The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 
1816—1916 



PROLOGUE: THE WELCOME OF OLD CORYDON. 

The Bell of the Old Capitol is rung a half hour before the 
pageant performance is to begin, and again fifteen minutes 
before the hour. The Bell is rung once more for the begin- 
ning of the Pageant. The orchestra plays the Hymn to In- 
diana. 

While the orchestra is still playing, people of Old 
Corydon come in from various directions, singly and in 
groups, attracted by the sound of the bell and the music of 
the orchestra. Seeing the audience, with interest and some 
surprise they comment upon it to each other. They evidence 
their appreciation of the importance of the occasion and of 
the assembled audience, and several of them consulting to- 
gether agree to call their Governor, General William Henry 
Harrison. Four or five of them go to the door of the Capitol. 
The door opens and Governor Harrison appears. He talks 
with his neighbors, standing in the doorway a few moments, 
and then cordially comes forward at their suggestion toward 
the people of 1916 on the grandstand and addresses them, 
while the others of the people of Old Corydon stand variously 
grouped a little behind him. The music plays very softly as 
he speaks. 

Harrison: Our welcome to you all, good friends! I bring 
The welcome of Old Corydon itself. 
You cry "Hello, the house!" We open the door 

[7] 



And answer "Welcome! The latch-string hangs 

outside." 
Are ye surprised to see us here again? 
But where else should ye find us if not here — 
At home? It is not gone — the so-called past. 
'Tis only that abstraction with the present 
Obscures to your eyes things of other days. 
Still must ye heed the things of former days 
As ye do heed the things of days to come — 
Or blind and vain the labors of today ! 

These walls seem old to you; these elm-trees old; 
These timbers weather-stained. A hundred years 
Have beaten on this roof, you say, and on 
The mounded shelters where you think we lie. 
But look with our eyes, and you them will see 
A stately pile, fresh-hewn from Nature's rocks, 
Built strong to last forever, built for you 
With our small means and ample labor, built 
For you and for your children ! Do but see ! 

The Commonwealth we dreamed has far surpassed 
The measure of our boldest, proudest hopes; 
But axe and gun in hand, it was for you 
We dreamed, and this old building stands to tell 
The quality, the courage of our dream 
And of our toil. Rock, solid rock, high built 
Four square amid the roadless wilderness! 
You, our children, — no, they all are gone, with us 
Across the stream, — our children's children and 
Their children, do ye understand our hopes 
And heed our dream? In token cherish this 
Old symbol of our pride and fortitude. 

When we assumed the task of managing 
The unformed territorial Commonwealth; 
Our glory, when with your forefathers here 
[8] 



We made the State; our sacrifice, when we 

In turn gave up our dear pre-eminence 

In favor of an unbuilt city to the north, 

That this our State, your State, unhampered 

might 
Sweep forward faster toward her honored place 
Among the mighty States of this our Nation! 

Come, then, come and live with us a space 
As we re-live again those precious days 
Of eighteen twelve and thirteen ; then in turn 
Of eighteen sixteen, eighteen twenty-five. 



[9] 



EPISODE 1: THE COMPLETION OF THE COURT 

HOUSE (1812). 

With the close of his address of welcome, Governor- Har- 
rison withdraws, and the music repeats the first theme of the 
Hymn to Indiana. The peoj^le all withdraw toivard the ends 
of the grandstand. 

A fife and drum strike up a parade quickstep of the War 
of 1812. From one side and the other come Spier Spencer 
and John Tipton, as Captain and a member of the Yellow 
Jackets. 

Spencer: We'd better be starting, John. Get the boys to- 
gether. Tell Sam to beat the drum. We'll give the 
folks a little parade before we go. 

Tipton : Hey, Sam ! Call them together ! 

The fifer and drummer come out, the drummer heating 
his drum. They take their places out in the middle where 
Captain Spericer and Tipton are standing. Then the fifer 
plays aslo. The Yellow Jackets come out and gather together, 
ready to fall into line. One carries the Yellow Jacket flag 
furled. People of the town also come with them. Among 
these comes Dennis Pennington with carpenter tools in his 
hands and other men with tools from out of the Capitol. 

Pennington: Well, Spier— Sheriff— when you get back 
from fighting the Indians we'll have the Court House 
all finished for you! Tell Harrison to stop over and 
see what we're putting up. 

Spencer: I'll tell them over to Vincennes, Dennis, you're 
building us the finest Court House in the Territory, 
that theirs is a lean-to aside of it! 

Tipton: And that's what it is, too — a lean-to. 

Pennington : Well, as we said, boys, when we voted it, the 
Capitol cannot stay way over there on the edge, now Illi- 

[11] 



nois is cut off and made a separate territory, and we 
might as well be ready with good accomodations. 

Spencer : Now the fall in, Sam. Give you a little parade and 
manoevres before we start, folks! The Vincennes trail 
to meet Harrison, and on up the Wabash. 

The fife and drum sound again. The sergeant forms the 
company and the flag is unfurled. Captain Spier Spencer 
takes command. He puts them through the drill and military 
manoevres in accordance ivith the tactics of the time. Then 
he halts them and breaks ranks. 

Spencer : (Jet your packs and come along now, boys ! 

The Yelloiv Jackets say good bye to their ivives and fam- 
ilies, put on their luggage and depart, some on horseback, most 
of them on foot, folloiving their Captain. The music of the 
fife and drum continues fainter and fainter as they get far- 
ther and farther away. Their people tuave to them as they go. 
The orchestra plays the Indian music from the Pageant of 
Bloomington and Indiana University to mark the time that 
elapses, during tvhich the battle of Tippecanoe is fought. 
In the Capitol is heard the noise of hammers, as the last 
strokes are put on the building. Furniture of the time is 
being carried in. Dennis Penyiington is superintending the 
work. 

Pennington: Nearly done! Nearly done! Take that right 
in ; put it in place ! 

Two tvomen standing a moment together look up toward 
the north. They point and then attract the attention of the 
others. 

Mrs. Tipton : Who's that ! Just coming out of the woods over 
on the hill? 

Mrs. Spencer : It's the soldiers ! The Yellow Jackets ! 

Mrs. Tipton : Yes, it must be ! John, John 1 

[12] 



The others look closely and a number of the younger peo- 
ple start off to meet the returning soldier's. All go over to 
that side of the Public Square, the ivor'kmen on the Capitol 
comiyig out, their tools in their haiids, to join the others and 
welcome the Indiana fighters. In a few moments they come 
marching in attended by the young people. Mrs. Tipton with 
a cry of relief runs to her hiisband. 

Mrs. Tipton : There is John ! John ! 

Mrs. Tipton runs to her husband. Mrs. Spencer starts 
also, then stops, looks searchingly through the soldiers, looks 
back to Tipton, realizes that Tipton is noiv in command of the 
company, and stands still and silent. 

Mrs. Tipton : Oh, Mrs. Spencer. 

Mrs. Spencer : Where was it, John ? He is killed ? 

Tipton: It was up on the Tippecanoe, near the Prophet's 
town. Yes, he was killed. Here is his sword. It was a 
victory. 

All the neighbors sta/nd silent and still. John Tipton 
hands Mrs. Spencer her husband's sivord. She takes it and 
silently presses it to her breast. 

Mrs. Spencer: And he? 

Tipton : We buried him at the foot of a tree on the battle- 
field and cut his name in the bark of the tree. 

Mrs. Spencer boivs her head and quietly withdraws, Mrs. 
Tipton going with her, and John Tipton following them. Other 
similar incidents repeat the character of the retwn of the 
soldiers — either the reunited families or the definite knowing 
that the father or so7i or husband or lover will not come back. 
In a moment Tipton returns. 

Tipton: The Court House finished. Dennis? 

Pennington : Nearly finished, John. We are putting in the 

[13] 



furnishings and I will hang the bell today. Will the 
Governor be along this way soon, do you think, John? 

Tipton : I think so, Dennis. Come on, boys ! Help move 
in the furniture into the new Court House! 

The soldiers turn to with a will and the work of finishing 
the Court House proceeds rapidly. Squire Boone comes in 
with three of his sons from a hunting trip, clad in his buck- 
skins, carryi7ig his rifle and over his shoulders a deer. 

Boone: Hello the house, all o'yer! Hello the Court House! 

People: Who's yere! Who's yere! 

Pennington: Hello, Squire! You're just about in time to 
help us hang the bell ! Brought us some venison, too, I 
see! 

Boone: What, hanging the bell? Then of course you can 
have the meat! Bill Harrison will be along here short- 
ly too, I reckon. Saw him a-riding up to Ed Smith's 
as I came down the hill over across the creek. 

Smith : I'll go up and meet him and bring him down. 

Edward Smith hurries off towards his cabin. The last 
furniture is put into the Court House and the bell is hauled 
in on an ox cart. Edward Smith returns with Governor Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison. He is dressed in civilian clothes, and 
rides on horseback. The people all cheer enthusiastically. 

People: Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Tippecanoe! Tippe- 
canoe ! 

Governor Ha7-rison takes off his hat and boivs cordially, 
heartily to all his friends, calling them all by their first names 
as the cheering continues. 

Harrison : Court House finished, Dennis ! That is a splendid 
building! Worthy of Cory don! (To Harvey Heth), 

[14] 



Well, Harvey, you and I sold this land to good purpose ! 
The County has built a fine Court House on it! And 
that is the stray pen yonder, is it? (Cheers). Hello, 
boys! No more fear from the Indians! Hello, Israel, 
I'll have to get you to put a new shoe on my horse's 
nigh foot in front before I go on. (To Henry Rice), 
Hello, Henry, how's the fine brick hotel ? This the bell ? 

Col. Posey: That's the bell, Governor, and we ought to do 
something to celebrate the completion of the Court 
House, don't you think so? 

Harrison : Certainly ! Certainly ! Jennie Smith ought to sing 
"Corydon" for one thing. Where's Jennie? Where's 
Jennie, Ed? If you do not keep better watch over your 
girls you won't keep them long, Ed! You would not 
if I were just passing twenty! Jennie, my dear, sing 
"Corydon" for us while Uncle Dennis hangs the bell, 
and then at the end the bell shall ring out for the first 
time and we all will give it a good Corydon cheer ! 

Jennie: Sam, run home and get my Missouri Harmony for 
me. 

Samuel Smith runs out fast to get the hook, and soon re- 
turns with it. Meantime, Dennis Pennington and the men un- 
load the hell from off the ox-cart and carry it into the Court 
House. There is a cheer as it disappears into the door. 

Edward Smith : Long time afore we'll see that bell again, 
though we'll hear it right along often enough! 

Harrison : Now, Jennie ! Wait. Here is a present I was 
bringing to you. I will give it to you now in apprecia- 
tion of your singing this song for us! 

From his saddle-hags Governor Harrison produces a bun- 
dle which he opens and discloses a beautiful shaivl. Several 
of the young women and girls instinctively step foyncard to 
look at it with exclamations of delight. Governor Harrison 
puts the shawl around Jennie Smiths shoulders, and steps 

[15] 



back with a courtly complimentary bo2u, as her friends ex- 
claim their applaiise. Jennie makes a curtsey. 

Jennie Smith : Thank you, Governor, thank you very much! 

Harrison : Now, Jennie, now sing us "Corydon." 

Jennie Smith sings the old song "Corydon" out of the 
Missouri Harmony. Governor Harrison gets off his horse 
and stands by her side as she sings. 

Jennie Smith : 

CORYDON 



What sorrowful sounds do I hear. 

Move slowly along in the gale ; 
How solemn they fall on my ear. 

As softly they pass through the vale 
Sweet Corydon's notes are all o'er. 

Now lonely he sleeps in the clay. 
His cheeks bloom with roses no more, 

Since death call'd his spirit away. 

Sweet woodbines will rise round his feet, 

And willows their sorrowing wave ; 
Young hyacinths freshen and bloom. 

While hawthorns encircle his grave. 
Each morn when the sun gilds the east, 

(The green grass bespangled with dew) , 
He'll cast his bright beams on the West, 

To charm the sad Caroline's view. 

O Corydon ! hear the sad cries 

Of Caroline, plaintive and slow; 
O .spirit! look down from the skies. 

And pity thy mourner below, 
'Tis Caroline's voice in the grove, 

Which Philomel hears on the plain. 
Then striving the mourner to soothe. 

With sympathy joins in her strain. 



Ye .shepherds so blithsome and young. 

Retire from your sports on the green. 
Since Corydon's deaf to my song. 

The wolves tear the lambs on the plain. 
Each swain round the forest will stray 

And sorrowing hang down his bead. 
His pipe then in symphony play 

Some dirge to sweet Corydon's shade. 

And when the still night has unfurl'd 

Her robes o'er the hamlet around. 
Gray twilight retires from the world 

And darkness encumbers the ground. 
I'll leave my own gloomy abode. 

To Corydon's urn will I fly, 
There kneeling will bless the just God 

Wlio dwells in bright mansions on high. 

Since Corydon hears me no more. 

In gloom let the woodlands appear. 
Ye oceans be still of your roar. 

Let Autumn extend around the year; 
I'll hie me through meadow and lawn. 

There cull the brit;lit flow'rets of May. 
Then rise on the wings of the morn, 

And waft my young spirit away. 



As the song comes to an end the bell rings out. All the 
people cheer and cheer and cheer. The bell stops. Dennis 
Pennington comes to the door of the Court House. His 
brother, Watty Pennington, ivho built the ivalls, and Patrick 
Flanigan, ivho put on the roof, are with him. 



[16] 



Pennington: The Court House is completed and ready to 
turn over to the County Court. 

Again the people cheer. Governor- Harrison mounts his 
horse. The Yellow Jackets fo7"m in line. The Judges of the 
Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County, Hon. Patrick 
Shields, Peter Mcintosh and Moses Boone, come in preceded 
by John Hurt, Sheriff, and attended by R. M. Heth, Clerk 
of the Court. 

Pennington: Your Honors, I herewith notify you that the 
building of this Court House is now completed accord- 
ing to contract, at a cost of $1,500, and I herewith turn 
it over to you for your acceptance. 

Judge Shields: In behalf of my associates and myself as 
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison 
County, I accept this Court House from Dennis Penning- 
ton and declare it to be satisfactorily completed and ac- 
cording to contract. (Cheers). Before personally en- 
tering and taking possession in the name of the County 
we direct that in honor of the memory of our late Sher- 
iff and his soldiers, who died to defend the homes of 
this County and of Indiana Territory from the Indians, 
the Clerk of the Court read the names of those who 
died at the Battle of Tippecanoe and that the Court 
House bell be tolled while the names are being read. 

All uncover. Captain John Tipton brings the Yelloiv 
Jackets to Present, Arms! The Clerk of the Court advances 
in front of the Judges and reads the names of the Harrison 
County men who died at Tippecanoe, the bell tolling, and the 
drum beating a muffled, roll. 

R. M. Heth : Died at the Battle of Tippecanoe, for their 
homes, for the Indiana Territory, and their country: 
Spier Spencer, Captain; First Lieut. Richard MacMa- 
han, Capt. Berry, Marshall Dunken, Wm. Davis, Joshua 
Shields, Samuel Sand, George Spencer, Robert Biggs. 

[17] 



Judge Shields: We now direct the Sheriff to proclaim that 
the Court of Common Pleas will henceforth sit in this 
Court House. 

John Hurst: Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Be it known to every one 
having business or pleas before the Court that by or- 
der of the Judges and by authority of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Harrison County in the Indiana Terri- 
tory of the United States of America the Court will 
hereafter sit in the new Court House now completed in 
the Town of Corydon. 

The Judges advance into the Court House, preceded by 
the Sheriff and attended by the Cler^k. The bells ring out 
joyously again, and the people cheer. As the people go out, 
led on one side by Governor Harr'ison, Edward Smith and 
Jennie Smith, and on the other side by Ca/ptain John Tipton 
and the Yellow Jackets, the Chorus sing in parts, but ivithout 
instrumental accompaniment, a stanza of the old song, "Cory- 
don." 

CHORUS: 

What sorrowful sounds do I hear, 

Move slowly along on the gale ; 
How solemn they fall on the ear, 

As softly they pass through the vale. 
Fll hie me through meadow and lawn, 

There cull the bright flow'rets of May, 
Then rise on the wings of the morn, 

And waft my young spirit away. 



[18] 



EPISODE 2: CORYDON THE CAPITAL (1813). 

Several young men come in with farming implements 
a7id axes, on tvhich they lean, as one looks up the road toward 
Louisville indolently and then tosses his axe down on the 
ground. Some tvomen come in parsing by. 

Young Man: Well, while we're waiting I'll pitch anyone a 
game of horse-shoes. 

A Woman : What are you waiting for ? 
Young Man : The wagon. 

A Woman: The wagon from Louisville, as usual? For all 
the wagon brings everything to Corydon, it'll never 
bring you no luck, not till you get down and work. 

Young Man : I can work. 

Woman : I know you can work, none better ; but you won't. Al- 
ways waiting for the wagon! Like a eastern man to 
Henry Rice's brick hotel, had no plate, knife nor fork, 
too modest to ask for them, and Henry says to him, 
"Waiting for the wagon to bring them to yer, was yer?" 

Young Man : But it will be different when the Capital comes 
to Corydon. There'll be something to do then. 

Woman : That may be, but it won't be for anything you have 
done to bring it here. It'll be account of what Uncle Den_ 
nis does. He's a powerful smart man. There ain't none 
can get ahead of him. 

Meantime the young men have pitched horse-shoes. 
They are interrupted by the arrival of the ivagon from Louis- 
ville. It is badly mired and bears the marks of a hard trip 
over bad roads. Tivo prosperous lookiyig men from Madison 
are with it. 

Madison Man : Corydon ! Well, I hope that brick hotel they 
tell about has good fare for man and horse. 

[19] 



Driver of Wagon : It has. 

Madison Man : Whats that ? The Court House ? 
Driver : That's the Harrison County Court House. 
Madison Man : Too pretentious for a Court House ! 
Young Man : That's what we think ! 

Madison Man: You Corydon people, young man, are too 
presumptious. You mean to suggest, I take it, that you 
will get the Capital. 

Young Man: That's what I meant; What are you going 
to say about it? Or do? 

Madison Man : Nothing in the question to fight about ! Cory- 
don is off the line of travel. All the south, Kentucky, 
Virginia, the Carolinas come into Indiana through Mad- 
ison. 

Young Man : And Louisville. 

Madison Man: Besides, Madison is offering $10,000 for 
it; and the vote was a tie, I happen to know, in the 
Council. If Governor Harrison had not vetoed the bill 
because he owns property at Vincennes, we'd a had it 
before this. 

Young Man: And Corydon got a tie vote without $10,000, 
I happen to know. Uncle Dennis Pennington is there; 
he'll fix it! 

Several : Yes, he'll fix it ! He'll get the Capital for Corydon ! 

From the north come several men riding horseback. 
Eager for neivs, the Corydon people greet them. 

Men: Will you light? Where from? What's the news? 

Rider: No, we must push on. We're from Vincennes. 

Men: Vincennes? What's the news? 

[20] 



Riders: Nothing. Hello, hello! See here! 

They greet the Madison men, take them to one side tuhile 
the others watch tuith much curiosity. The Madison men 
shoiv great disgust and anger at ivhat they hear and then all 
four mount their horses and ride off toivard Madison. In a 
moment Dennis Pennington comes riding doivn the road from, 
the north. There are loud ajid hearty cheers for him as he 
rides in among his neighbors. 

Pennington : Ye've won, friends ! Ye've won ! 

All: What, won? Won? 

Pennington : Won ! Corydon is the Capital of Indiana Ter- 
ritory ! 

There is long, loud and continued cheering as they throng 
about him. 

All: How'd you do it, Dennis? How'd you do it, Uncle 
Dennis? 

Pennington : Here, let me down ! Take my horse ! There's 
not so much to tell. There was tie vote after tie vote, 
until it seemed as most like as if tie votes was the pass- 
ing compliment and every cabin in Indiana had had its 
compliment, when — 

All : What then. Uncle Dennis, what then ? 

Mrs. Spencer: Did you let them know the Governor owned 
land here, Dennis? 

Edward Smith: That's what he done? Told them Harris 
son owned land to Corydon and if they wanted to move 
the Capital it was here they had the best chance, for 
then old Bill would help them all he could ! 

All: Hurray for Uncle Dennis! Hurray! Hurray! 

[21] 



Pennington: Well (laughing) they did seem to have some 
such idee, that even if Harrison wa'n't Governor no 
more, he had influence. (Loud and long cheering). 
Now, friends, neighbors, we must get ready for the Gov- 
ernment." John Gibson is Acting Governor and he never 
wastes much time. And President Madison will be send- 
ing a new Governor before long and it is here he will 
come I 

The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison 
County come out of the Court House arid informally greet 
Dennis Pennirigton. 

Pennington : Corydon is the Capital, your Honors? 
Judge Shields: Splendid, Dennis! 

Pennington: Later the Capital will have to go farther 
north, but until then here she stays at Corydon. 

Judge Shields : Then we Judges must vote to place the Court 
House at the disposal of the Territorial Government, 
must'nt we? 

Pennington : That was the idea when we built it. 

Judge Shields: Then we will surely vote it. And will a 
popular vote confirm it? 

All: We will! We will! 

Judge Shields: Let us go back and get our papers out, and 
put the place in order for the Governor and the Legis- 
lature. 

The Judges return into the Court House. Some bundles 
of papers and law books are carried out. A bugle is heard 
up the Vincennes road, repeated again and again, nearer and 
nearer. The people turn to see what is coming and imme- 

[22] 



diately join in a great cheer. Many run out to meet the ap- 
proaching Acting Governor, ivho brings the archives of the 
Territorial Government to Corydon. They return accompany- 
ing the procession, which consists to a military escort mount- 
ed. Governor John Gibson and the other officers, their fam- 
ilies in carriages, and several ivagons of cases, containi7ig 
the documents and other archives of the Territorial Govern- 
ment of Indiana. The cheering increases and increases as 
they ride in. Gibson rises and boius to right and to left ac- 
knowledging the applause. The Judges return in their robes 
of office to tvelcome the Governor. 

Gibson: My friends of Corydon and citizens of Harrison 
County : It is my agreeable duty officially to inform you 
that by an Act of the General Assembly of Indiana Ter- 
ritory, at Vincennes, which was approved on the 11th day 
of March, 1813, the seat of Government of the Territory 
was fixed at Corydon, Harrison County, from and after 
the first day of May, 1813. In conformity with a joint 
resolution of both houses of the General Assembly of the 
Territory, I have prorogued them to meet here at Cory- 
don on the 1st day of December next. I have come to 
transfer the Government to your town and to install the 
archives in such proper places as you may provide for 
the use of the Governor and the Legislature. 

Judge Shields: Your Excellency, the Judges of the Court 
of Common Pleas of Harrison County, with the enthu- 
siastic concurrence of the people, have voted to appro- 
priate this new Court House to the use of the Governor 
and the Legislature as the Capitol of Indiana Territory, 

Gibson: Your Honors, in behalf of the Government of the 
United States and of the Legislature of Indiana Terri- 
tory, as well as in my own behalf as Acting Governor, I 
thank you and the people of Harrison County for this 
fine, ample and patriotic provision, and accept this build- 
ing for the Territorial Government at your hands. 

[23] 



Amidst iqyroarious cheering, Judge Shields steps forward 
and hands to Governor Gibson the key of the Court House, 
noiv to become the Capitol. 

Judge Shields : With pleasure, Your Excellency, I deliver to 
you the key of the new Capitol. We also wish to wel- 
come you personally and all the members of the Govern- 
ment to Corydon, (Cheers). 

Pennington: For all my fellow citizens I want to repeat 
that welcome. You'll all find that the latch-string hangs 
outside! (Cheers), 

Gibson : Your welcome is most welcome. From this time on 
we shall call you all friends and neighbors. (Cheers). 

As your Acting Governor I have also to warn you 
against the danger from the Indians. This menace was 
in no small measure condusive to the change in the seat 
of the government. The United States has lately been 
compelled to declare war against England. But recently 
our political horizon seemed clear; our infant Territory 
bid fair for a rapid and rising grandeur ; our population 
was highly flattering; our citizens were becoming pros- 
perous and happy ; and security dwelt everywhere, even 
on our frontiers. Alas! the scene has changed. The 
aborigines have become our most inveterate foes. They 
have drawn the scalping knife and raised the tomahawk 
and shouts of savage fury are heard at our thresholds. 
Our former frontiers are now our wilds and our inner 
settlements have become frontiers. I have therefore de- 
termined upon an increase of the militia, which will be 
under the command of Col. Robert M. Evans ; Col. Wm. 
Hargrove's Mounted Rangers will be merged in this 
militia ; and the borders of Harrison and Clark Counties 
will remain under the protection of your own tried In- 
dian fighter, Major John Tipton. (Great cheers). 

COL. Evans: But, Governor, I must remind you of my re- 
[24] 



port in regard to this Major Tipton's conduct to me, 
when I met him on duty in the wilds of this Harrison 
County. That varmint paid no more attention to me 
than he would have to an ordinary man. 

Tipton: Bah! He asked me where my headquarters were. 
My headquarters ! I told him in this saddle and that at 
night if I could find a tree without a panther at roost 
in it, it would then be in this saddle at the root of that 
tree. 

Gibson: Colonel, we are all rough men out here, but we are 
good fighters, you will find, and John Tipton is our best 
fighter. (Cheers) . You and he will prove mates. 

Since the Governor of the Territory has been absent 
on military service, the gubernatorial functions have 
been exercised by me, and I have in my discharge of this 
important trust been actuated by none other than a wish 
to preserve public rights and protect private property. 
But now the President of the United States has selected 
a successor to General Harrison. It is my former com- 
panion in arms. Col. Thomas Posey, United States Sen- 
ator from Louisiana, a soldier of the Revolutionary War 
and a veteran of many Indiana engagements. Although 
I understand he is in but poor health, he must now be 
on his way to take charge of his duties. 

Several: See! Here come some horses along the Louisville 
road ! 

Governor Thomas Posey, escorted, is driven in from the 
south. In response to Governor Gibson's introduction, the 
people cheer. 

Gibson: My friends, your new Governor! 

Posey: I thank you for your loyal welcome. 

Gibson: Sir, recognizing you as the newly appointed Gov- 
ernor of the Territory of Indiana, I herewith turn over 

[25] 



to you the Key of the Territorial Capitol, the documents 
and archives of the Government, and direct the Govern- 
or's escort to attend upon you. 

Governor Gibson rides over to Governor Posey and hands 
him the key. At the same time part of his escort ride around 
and place themselves behind Governor Posey's carriage. 

Posey : Governor Gibson, in accepting from you the functions 
of the Governor of Indiana Territory, I can only hope 
I may discharge them as ably and as faithfully as you 
have done. (Cheers). I regret that the delicate 
state of my health will not admit of my long con- 
tinuance at this place. I should find myself badly 
situated on account of medical aid. My physician is 
at Louisville, and I have already taken all the medicine 
brought with me. I shall therefore take up my own 
residence at Jeffersonville, and the bills of the Legisla- 
ture and other communications can be sent to me there. 

Pennington : Well, Governor, we're all sorry you are in bad 
health. We wanted to have you here with us at Cory- 
don. We were counting on it. 

Posey: I also regret it extremely, Mr. Speaker, but I trust 
Indiana will soon become a State and can then choose its 
own Governor. I shall be glad if I can fill the interim 
acceptably. 

Amid loud cheers and shouts of "Indiana! Statehood for 
Indiana!'* Governor Gibson and Governor Posey drive and 
ride on out in opposite directions, the people dividing and go- 
ing some in one direction ivith one, some in the other direc- 
tion after the other. 

All: Hurray! Hurray for Gibson! Hurray for Posey! Hur- 
ray! Hurray! Indiana! Indiana! Statehood for Indiana! 

[26] 



EPISODE 3: THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 

(1816). 

Along the road from Louisville and Madison come riding 
on horseback Jonathan Jen7iings of Clark County and William 
Hendricks of Jefferson County. They are met by Dennis Pen- 
nington, Dafiiel C. Lane, Davis Floyd, John Boone and Judge 
Patrick Shields of Harrison County. They greet each other 
cordially. 

Pennington: A fine day, Jennings! 

Jennings: A great day, Pennington; Indiana will come in 
free. 

All: Aye, aye! It surely will! 

Pennington : I said, "Let us be on our guard when our con- 
vention men is chosen that they may be men opposed to 
slavery." 

Jennings: We have been on our guard. Most of the men 
elected are opposed to slavery. 

Shields: And we will organize right too. Jennings for 
President of the Convention and Hendricks for Secre- 
tary. 

All : That's what we will : 

The Delegates to the Convention arrive, most on horse- 
back, some on foot. Among them are Joseph Holman of 
Wayne County, James Noble of Franklin, James Dill of Dear- 
born, William Cotton of Sivitzerland, David H. Maxwell of 
Jefferson, James Scott and James Lemon of Clark, John De- 
Pauw and William Lowe of Washington, John Johnson and 
John Badollet of Knox, David Robb and Frederick Rapp of 

[27] 



Gibson, Dan Lynn of Posey, Daniel Gra^s of Warwick and 
Charles Polke of Perry County. Among the western dele- 
gates there is some evident discontent. As they come up, 
three are expressing their opposition. 

Delegate: Is it not surprising that Jennings should have 
allowed us only eleven days to elect suitable characters 
for a situation the most important that ever has, or 
ever may again, occur to us? 

Another: Individual runners was the only way we could 
apprize the voters of the election. 

Third: Jennings and his friends, I verily believe, have thus 
hastened matters so that they might put through a con- 
stitution eliminating slavery. 

Delegate : It is the duty of Jennings' constituents to reflect 
upon his conduct. 

Jennings, Pennington and Others: Now, gentlemen, let 
us gather in the Capitol and proceed to organize the 
Convention. Come in, gentlemen, come in; Let us get 
down to work ! 

The Delegates all go into the Capitol, whence is heard 
the sound of voting, shouts of "Jennings!" applause, shouts 
of "Hendricks!" applause. Two delegates in pioneer dress 
come to the door. 

One Delegate: Jennings President, Hendricks Secretary! 
Good choices ! 

Other: The best! It is too stuffy in there for me, though. 
I am used to being out-doors where there is plenty of 
good fresh air and sunshine. 

One Delegate: It's a cool summer though, too cool. Frost 
last night, all the week. 

[28] 



Other: I know, but I like to be outdoors. Mr. President, I 
move you that the Convention adjourn out here under 
this beautiful shady elm tree for the balance of the ses- 
sion. It's nice and pleasant out here and there's a fine 
spring nearby. 

There is heard from inside a laugh, a unanimous vote of 
"Aye!" and the members of the Convention come streaming 
out of the Capitol and go over to the big elm tree and sit in 
a circle under its branches. A small table is brought out and 
a few chairs. President Jennings and the Secretaries sit 
at this table. 

Jennnings: Now the Convention will come to order. It 
has been moved and seconded in accordance with the 
Enabling Act of Congress, that by resolution of the 
representatives of the people of Indiana, met in conven- 
tion at Corydon, on the 10th day of June, A. D., 1816, 
that it is expedient, at this time, to proceed to form a 
Constitution and State government. 

Two Delegates: I demand the yeas and nays. 

Jennings: Those in favor will rise. Those opposetd. 

Hendricks: The vote is 34 in favor; 8 against. 

Jennings : The resolution seems to be carried. It is carried. 

People of Corydon gather at respectfid distances from 
the group under the tree listening to the proceedings of the 
Convention but in no way interrupting therii. 

Badollet: Mr. President, reporting for the Committee ap- 
pointed to prepare a Bill of Rights and Preamble for 
the Constitution, I move you the following: "We, the 
people of the Territory of Indiana, having the right of 
admission into the general government, as a member of 
the Union, consistent with the Constitution of the 
United States, the Ordinance of 1787 and the law of 

[29] 



Congress, do ordain and establish the following Consti- 
tution or form of government, and do mutually agree 
with each other to form ourselves into a free and inde- 
pendent State, by the name of Indiana." 

By regular paiiiamentarij order the motion is put and 
with serious and impressive enthusiasm is unanimously voted 
by all 7'ising and saying "Aye" and sitting again. Benjamin 
Parke of Knox County comes riding doivn the north road. 
He dismounts and ivalks over to the Coyivention, hands a pa- 
per to James Noble of the Committee on Elections. After 
exannining the paper, James Noble rises, ivhile Benjamin 
Parke stands at one side waiting the action on his credentials. 

Noble: Benjamin Parke, a member returned to serve in this 
Convention from Knox County, is present and has pro- 
duced his credentials, which are found by the Commit- 
tee on Elections to be correct. I move that he be sworn 
in and seated. 

The motion is imanimously carried, and Benjamin Parke 
is sworn in by the Secretary, William Hendricks. He then 
takes his seat on the grass with the others. 

Maxwell: Mr. President, reporting for the Committee on 
the Subject of General Provisions, I move you that there 
shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in 
this State, otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, 
whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. Nor 
shall any indenture of any negro or mulatto hereafter 
made and executed out of the bounds of this State be 
of any validity within the State. 

There are murmurs of approval among many of the Dele- 
gates and emphatic approval and special inte7'est evident 
among the toivnspeople. 

People: That's it! Free! Free! No slaves! 

Jennings: Is the motion seconded? 

[30] 



Several: I second it. 

Jennings: The motion is before the Convention. In that 
connection I am requested to lay before the Convention 
a memorial from sundry inhabitants of Wayne County, 
praying that constitutional provisions may be made 
effectually to prohibit the introduction of slavery and 
involuntary servitude into the State about to be formed ; 
also that the Society of Friends, commonly called Qua- 
kers, may in times of peace be exempted from bearing 
arms. 

ROBB: I move that so much of the memorial as relates to 
the Society of Friends be referred to the Committee on 
Military Affairs. 

Jennings: It is so ordered. 

Johnson: Further, Mr. President, as the holding any part 
of the human family in slavery or involuntary servitude 
can only originate in usurpation and tyranny, this Con- 
vention ought to vote that no alteration of this Consti- 
tution ought ever to take place, so as to introduce sla- 
very in this State. 

Dill: That is not strong enough. Let the Convention vote 
that no such alteration ever shall take place. 

Several: Question! Question! 

The question is put and is enthusiastically carried. The 
Corydon people b7'eak out into a cheer. 

People: She has come in free! She has come in free! 

Scott : Mr. President, reporting for the Committee relative 
to Education, I move you that knowledge and learning 
generally diffused through a community, being essen- 
tial to the preservation of a free government, it shall 
be the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as cir- 
cumstances will permit, to provide by law for a general 

[31] 



system of education, ascending in a regular gradation 
from township schools to a State University, wherein 
tuition shall be gratis and equally open to all. 

Maxwell: I second the motion. 

Scott: I also move that it shall be the duty of the General 
Assembly, as soon as circumstances will permit, to form 
a penal code, founded on the principle of reformation, 
and not of vindictive justice. 

Several : I second the motion. 

The motions are put to the Convention and are unani- 
mously carried with hearty enthusiasm. 

Depauw : I move you, Mr. President, that the Town of Cory- 
don, in Harrison County, shall be the seat of government 
of the State of Indiana, until the year 1825 and until 
removed by law. 

Tivo or three of the Delegates who at first showed dis- 
coyitent arise and ivalk apar't by themselves expressing indig- 
nation. 

Delegate: It is preposterous! 

Another: The pernicious practices that have unfortunately 
been elsewhere tolerated have evidently here been intro- 
duced ! 

Third: I have heard it said that a caucus of some of the 
members met here at Corydon and pledged themselves 
to support — certain men — without consulting the people 
or knowing their wishes. 

Delegate : I am sure it is true. But what can we do ? Jen- 
nings and his friends have the situation in their hands. 
Another : Nothing. 

Third: Record our votes in opposition. 

They go hack and sit doivn in sullen silence. 

Pennington : There has been some agitation, I understand, 
to have the seat of government moved from Corydon to 

[32] 



some other town. Indeed I am told that one town is 
determined to take it up on wheels as soon as the new 
Legislature meets and bear it off. But I trust our leg- 
islature will be composed of such men as will wisely 
consider the subject and when they do remove it, that 
it will be for the good of the community at large and 
not for a few individuals. Whenever the situation will 
admit of its going near the center of the State and so 
do justice to the whole community, let it be done, but 
until that time, the capital shall not be removed from 
Corydon if I can help it. I am therefore in favor of 
this motion. 

The motion is carried. 

Jennings: It now remains for the Convention to ratify the 
Constitution as a whole, and to sign their names to the 
document. 

Several: I move the ratification of the Constitution as a 
whole. 

Several : I second it. 

Jennings : Those in favor will signify by rising and saying 
"Aye." 

All rise and vote "Aye" with enthusiastic unanimity. 

Jennings: It is unanimously carried. As President of the 
Convention I declare the Constitution of the State of 
Indiana ratified and adopted this 29th day of June, in 
the year of our Lord 1816. The members of the Con- 
vention will now come up to the table and sign the in- 
strument. 

The members go up and write their names on the Con- 
stitution. 

Jennings: I now declare the Convention adjourned without 

day. 

The members all arise. The Corydon people cheer and 

advance to congratulate the delegates on their work. Their 

horses are brought forward and all depart their several ways. 

[33] 



EPISODE 4: THE NEW CAPITAL (1825). 

As the people of Corydon come in, a stream of wagons 
and of families on ho7^ses pour through, going from the south 
to the north. They are pioneers going farther into the ivil- 
dei'ness to settle. A Corydon man and his wife accost a little 
family on a horse. 

Corydon Man: Will you light? 

Pioneer: No, I'm abliged to you. We must get on. 

Corydon Man : How far are you going? 

Pioneer : Up into the New Purchase. 

Corydon Woman : You better stop a bit. 

Pioneer Wife : We must get on. John wants to get in early 
to enter some land. 

Corydon Man : Where you come from ? 

Corydon Woman : Why do you go ? 

Pioneer: Kentucky; before that from Carolina. We could 
not make out; business been bad last two years. 

Pioneer Woman : And we lost two children in the sickness. 
Seemed like nothing would do for them ; nothing would 
save them. So we're going on. 

Other families pass through, pass through. One horse 
carries a young Co7'ydon man and his wife. 

Corydon Wife: Well, good luck to you, Jennie! Good luck 
to you, John. Don't like to see you go ! 

John : Well, we've got to strike out new for ourselves. Good- 
bye all! 

Jennie : Good-bye all ! 

[351 



The Corydou people give them a hearty send-off, groivn 
tips and children too. Still others pass through, all to in- 
quiries ansivering that they are going up into the Neiv Pur- 
chase, to make a fresh start with new lands, and that they 
are leaving the old homes because of hard times and the 
pestilential years just previous. Now ayid again a Corydon 
family also joins the procession north. 

Goveryior William Hendricks, ivith James Brow'u Ray, 
the President of the Senate, and Samuel Merrill, the State 
Treasurer, come in from one direction and are met by Dennis 
Pennington, Judge Shields and others of the Court coming in 
the other way. 

Hendricks : The State is developing with enormous rapidity. 
The New Purchase is filling up with incredible numbers 
of settlers. We must soon move the Capital, so that it 
may be near the center of our population and near the 
center of the new developments. 

Pennington : Yes, Governor, and now that the time has 
come when it is for the good of the whole community, 
Corydon is ready to give up her preeminence, to let the 
Capital go to some unbuilt city to the north. 

Ray : A noble sacrifice and for the benefit of the State. 

Hendricks: It is indeed, for it is the attitude toward the 
question not only of Dennis here, but of all his Cory- 
don neighbors. 

Ray: And that sacrifice will not be in vain. The State will 
grow tremendously. I can see it clearly, whether the rest 
of you can or not. It will be not only in the center of 
the State, but it will itself be in every sense the real cen- 
ter of the State. Some new system of roads will branch 
out from it, provided the site be judiciously chosen, to all 
parts of Indiana. It will be the City of Indiana in truth ! 

Some of the Corydon bystanders act incredulous and 
rather amused, on^ or tivo even pointing to their foreheads. 
But he sees them. 

[36] 



' 



Ray : Oh, you may laugh, but you will find it come true. I, 
James Brown Ray, tell you I see it. It will come true. 
And, my good Corydon friends, it is the truth of my 
prediction that justifies you in your noble sacrifice, giv- 
ing up the glory of being the Capital of Indiana to 
some place not yet selected ! 

Merrill: The Commission to select the location must soon 
return. May they come while the Legislature is still 
in session ! 

Hendricks : They will be here shortly, any time now, I am 
confident. Indiana welcomes these fine settlers to her 
soil and to her citizenship with open arms ! A welcome 
to you, my friends ! 

John Tipton and the other Commissioners to select a 
locatio7i for the new Capital of Indiana come down the road 
from the north. The Governor and the other State officials 
welcome them cordially and the people greet them with a 
cheer. Mrs. Tipton comes running to meet her husband. 

Mrs. Tipton: Ah, John, my man, welcome home, welcome 
home ! 

Hendricks : Welcome to you all ! Have you chosen a site for 
the new Capital? 

Tipton : We have. On the West Fork of the Shiney, at the 
mouth of Fall Creek and Pogues Run. 

Merrill: On the White River? There where McCormick 
built his cabin? 

Tipton : That's the place. 

Ray: An excellent location. I see the future prosperity of 
Indiana assured. You will immediately report to the 
Legislature? 

Tipton: We will. 

[37] 



With James Brown Ray, Tipton and the other Commis- 
sioner's go i7ito the Capitol. 

Merrill: Ray is a strange young man, most visionary and 
yet seldom mistaken in his prediction of the outcome 
of practical matters. 

Hendricks : A most strange young man ! 

Pennington : What is the name of the new Capital to be ? 

Merrill : The name suggested by Jeremiah Sullivan of Mad- 
ison seems to me on the whole to be the best. I hope 
they will compromise on that. 

Hendricks : So do I. It is a good name. A bit mixed from 
the classical point of view, but a good name. 

Pennington: What is it? 

Hendricks: Indiana-polis, the City of Indiana: Indianap- 
olis. 

All: Indianapolis! A fine name! 

Some of the Corydon people are crowding up to the door 
of the Capitol listening to the proceedings inside. Some of the 
pioneers passing through also stop to hear the outcome. In- 
side is heard a loud vote, "Aye!' Immediately after Ray, 
Tipton and the other Commissioners come out, followed by 
some of the people, over to Governor Hendricks; Ray hands 
the Governor a paper. 

Ray: The Act of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, 
for your signature I 

Hendricks: The Act making the new location on the White 
River the Capital of Indiana? 

Ray : Yes. But it is fitting that the bill be handed to you by 
a representative of Corydon! Pennington, here, hand 
the bill to the Governor ! 

[38] 



Ray gives the bill to Dennis Pennington, who takes it u'/id 
gives it in turn to Governoi' Hendricks. The people cheer. 

Pennington: Most heartily for my friends and neighbors, 
Your Excellency, I hand you the bill that brings to a 
close the history of Cory don as the Capital of Indiana. 
We do it gladly for the welfare of our State. Do I not 
say true, my neighbors of Corydon? 

CORYDON People : You do ! You do ! (Loud cheers) . 

Hendricks: An action worthy of Corydon. I sign the bill. 

Pemiington brings a small table, chair, ink and quills out 
of the Capitol for the Governor. Governor Hendricks sits and 
signs the bill. There is silence as the Governor sign^. As he 
finishes, the people all break into a great cheer. The pioneers 
resume their progress north toivard the New Purchase. 

Hendricks : Have the General Assembly agreed upon a name 
for the new Capital? 

Ray: They have. A perfect name! Indianapolis! The 
City of Indiana ! 

All : Indianapolis ! Indianapolis! (Loud cheers). 

Hendricks: Now, Mr. Merrill, you will have to make ar- 
rangement for the safe and speedy removal of the State 
Treasury and the archives. 

Merrill: I have already begun arrangements. 

Young Man : If the Capital is going away from Corydon, I 
am going too. 

Old Man : Stay in Corydon, John ; stay in Corydon ! 

Young Man : No, I am going. I want to grow up with the 
new city. 

Pennington : The young will go ; the old will stay. 

[39] 



Ray: On! Let us be going! The glory of Indiana awaits 
us in the north ! Come, Your Excellency ; come Mr. Mer- 
rill ! To Indianapolis, the City of Indiana ! 

Horses are brought for Governor Hendricks and the other 
State officials. The ox-cart hearing the State Treasury is 
driven doivn through the Capitol Square. Mr. Merrill takes 
his place on horseback beside it. At a sign from the Governor 
the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas approach him. 

Hendricks: Your Honors, the Capital of the State of Indi- 
ana is now being removed from Corydon to its new lo- 
cation on the White River, where it will be called In- 
dianapolis. I therefore now return to you and to the peo- 
ple of Harrison County this noble building, which was 
given to the State for the use of the Governor and the 
General Assembly. I hand you the key. With it go the 
gratitude and blessing of Indiana. 

The Judges boiv as the Governor hands the key of the 
Old Capitol to Judge Shields. 

Judge Shields: Court House of Harrison County; Capitol 
of the Territory and the State of Indiana ; Court House 
of Harrison County again for many years to come ! 

Then the orchestra strikes into the Indiana theme, as 
the Governor and all the others ride out to the north, fol- 
loived by the stream of pioneers. Of the Corydon the young 
people for the most part go; the old people stay, and then go 
out to the south. 



[40] 



EPILOGUE : THE BLESSING OF THE YEARS. 

All the people depart, leaving the grounds around the old 
Capitol empty. The door of the Capitol opens again and 
the old Governor, General William Henry Harrison, comes 
out and approaches the audience. 

Harrison : 

They all are gone — gone, gone adown the years ; 
And Corydon itself has passed since then 
Into new paths of broad prosperity 
Through virile agriculture, business sense, 
And noble service in the rural life. 
But every hundred years forever shall 
The State, her grateful hand upon the head 
Of Corydon, repeat the blessing of 
Those old imperial days of enterprise. 
Achievement, service, and of sacrifice ! 

And you — you too, our reminiscent friends 

Of nineteen sixteen — so you too shall pass, 

As Time sweeps on along its course toward 

Eternity, and when the years again 

Have told a century, then you will come 

With us — you too — ^to sing your praise to Him 

Who giveth us, in joy and suffering. 

To serve our State, our Nation, and Mankind ! 

Hark! Hark! The generations gather — there 
Where only what is noble lives, preserved 
From any loss forever ! Hark! They sing! 
They come! They come! And coming raise to 

Heaven 
The Hymn to Indiana ! 

FINALE: CENTENNIAL! 

The Orchestra plays the first part of the Hymn to Indiana 
and all the people of the Pageant of Corydon come pouring in 

[41] 



from the north and the south roads, and gathering behind 
Governor Harrison sing the hymn of their State. The figure 
of the State of hidiana rides in on horseback from the dis- 
tance down among her people, bearing her flag and her shield. 

THE HYMN TO INDIANA. 

To Heaven raise thy star-crowned head, 

Superb Indiana! 
Thy future to glory wed 

Through toil ! Praise God ! Hosanna ! 

Arise! Stand! Strive! 

Thy faith revive! 

With courage and decision 

Press onward toward thy vision ! 

Arise ! Firm ! True ! 
Thy strength renew! 
God prosper thy gages 
To serve the coming ages ! 

To Heaven raise they star-crowned head, 

Superb Indiana! 
Thy future to glory wed 

Through toil ! Praise God ! Hosanna ! 

The first six notes of the Star Spangled Banner are 
heard as a t7'umpet call. Indiana points in the direction 
whence as the people all sing The Star Spangled Banner 
comes America, robed in white, on a white horse, and bearing 
the American flag and the shield of the United States. She 
is attended by the other States of the old Northwest Territory 
— Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin — each bearing her 
shield but not her flag. When America and the States have 
taken their place all the people sing 

[42] 



THE HYMN TO AMERICA. 

Forever shine on our mountain heights! 

Forever dwell by our valleys' streams ! 
And may thy stars illume the nights 

Where'er thy glorious banner gleams! 
In thee unite the sovereign States ! 

In thee all trade and commerce live! 
To all thou openest wide thy gates ; 

To all thy name and thy life dost give ! 

The little child thou dost protect ; 

The strongest man for his work inspire ! 
The wayward firmly dost correct ; 

And guard our homes from flood and fire ! 

Thy name we share from south to north ; 

Thine air we breathe from east to west ! 
Thy glory, America, leads us forth 

In victory onward toward the best ! 

0, God, Who givest the breath of life 

To people of the human race, 
Make Thou our land in peace or strife 

A Nation strong, of uplifted face ! 

America raises her flag, and all the people kneel and sing 
kneeling the prayer stanza of the hymn '' America.'' 

AMERICA." 

Our fathers' God, to Thee, 
Author of Liberty, 
To Thee we sing! 
Long may our land be bright 
With Freedom's holy light ! 
Protect us by Thy might, 
Great God, our King! 
All rise and the music playitig the Hifmn to Indiana, 
march in heavy massed column out before America, Indiana 
and the other States into the future. When all have passed, 
the symbolic group on horseback folhiv them out. 



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